Dean's Teaching Fellowship

Program Overview

The Dean's Teaching Fellowship program is directed by Anne Nofziger, MD (Director) and co-directed by Rita Dadiz,DO (Co-Director). It is a competitive two-year program open to faculty at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, who are committed to academic careers. Generally, 3-5 fellows are selected annually. Fellows spend 15% of their time on the program, which includes a three-hour biweekly seminar series and completion of an educational project.

In this program fellows work closely with one another and education experts to:

• Develop research skills and complete high-quality educational research
• Implement novel educational interventions
• Learn educational theory, teaching methods and curriculum development
• Develop skills in educational leadership, faculty development and mentoring

The DTF Program is an endowed program with two-year fellowships. Initially developed in the early 1990's, recognizing faculty who made important contributions to medical education, the program was expanded in 2001 to provide a rigorous curriculum to further the development of the highly qualified faculty members who participate. Dr. Jules Cohen's visionary leadership created twelve named Teaching Scholars to honor. Fellows have included faculty from many URSMD clinical and basic science disciplines.

DTF Educational Project

Each fellow undertakes an educational project expected to last two years and culminate in a publication or presentation at a national meeting. Projects may involve an educational innovation, new methods of assessment and/or research using new or existing data.  Projects should address medical or dental education including programs involving medical students, residents, fellows, or faculty in the clinical or basic sciences.

DTF Seminars

DTF seminars focus on different areas of educational theory, research methods, teaching methods, educational technology, curriculum design, assessment, faculty development, leadership, and career planning. The DTF endowment has allowed us to invite four or five visiting professors per year. The sessions consist of a two-hour seminar on a medical education topic, with the final hour reserved for discussion of fellows' projects.

Stipend

A stipend of $13,000 is provided each year for salary relief (including benefits). This stipend only partially offsets the 15% time commitment, but it is expected that the fellow's department will ensure that the 15% time will be provided. Up to $3,000 is available to each fellow annually to support research expenses and/or travel.

Criteria for Selection:

• The quality and potential impact of the proposed educational project. Projects should address medical or dental education, which would include medical students, residents, fellows, or faculty in the clinical or basic sciences. 
• The applicant’s commitment to medical education as part of his/her anticipated career trajectory.
• The applicant’s willingness to serve as a master teacher and mentor for future fellows and other faculty members.
• Identification of a suitable mentor for the project.
• A letter of support from the applicant’s department chair for 15% FTE to be devoted to the program.

How to Apply

Dean's Teaching Application 2024 - 2026 has closed.

Timeline

• November/December: Call for applications
• January 10, 2025: Applications due
• March: New fellows notified

Contact Information

Program Directors

Anne Nofziger, MD

Rita Dadiz, DO 

Administrative Coordinator

Theresa Banker
Phone: (585) 275-2738